A Message from the King

The Arad letters (ostraca) were discovered in the remains of the Judahite fort at Arad, in the Negev. Most of them are from the late seventh–early sixth centuries BCE. Many were addressed to an officer named Elyashib, instructing him to provide rations to the Kittiyim (Kittians), who were probably mercenaries from Cyp rus serving the king of Judah (for Elyashib’s seals, see Seals and Seal Impressions). Other letters contain greetings or instructions regarding supplies. They also mention tithes and several priestly and Levitical families known from the Bible, such as Pashhur and the Sons of Qorah (Korah). These letters provide an impression of the provincial administration of the kingdom of Judah.